Evil has reared its ugly head in Lansing, MI where Satanists will display their “Snaketivity” scene on the state capitol lawn on December 21-23. Even the devil, it seems, has a right to free speech.

As repugnant as a satanic display is, good things are coming from it. It has inspired the donation of a nativity to be placed at the MI capitol, and it has also set off an organized prayer response: Three Nights of Love and Lights.

There was originally no Christian Nativity scene at the capitol this year because of a new state law that does not allow permanent displays. Everything must be taken down at night. But in response to the snaketivity scene going up, a nativity was donated from Bronners Christmas Village in Frankenmueth, MI. Volunteers will take it down as required at 11 PM, and can set it up at 6AM the next morning.

Meaning of the Snake Display

The Detroit chapter of the Satanic Temple’s display has a snake wrapped around the Satanic cross and presenting a book as a holiday gift. The cross reads: “The greatest gift is knowledge.” Doesn’t that argument ever get old? The tree of knowledge of good and evil did Adam and Eve no favors.

Jex Blackmore, a member of Detroit’s Satanic Temple explained on Fox 17 News, “We were inspired by the concept of nativity,” she said. “The snake represents the birth of enlightenment and liberation.”

Seriously? Without God, there is no enlightenment–only darkness. And liberty? Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) gave this insight on liberty in his encyclical Libertas praestantissimum (On Human Liberty): “If freedom meant the capacity to choose anything at all, including evil, then God and the blessed angels would not be free.” True freedom, according to Leo, is to live in union with God.

Since the holiday offers time with family and friends come together in conversation, Blackmore said she thinks it’s a good idea to have conversations about divergent beliefs. Sure, let’s have those conversations, but keep in mind that if we disagree, we cannot both be right. There is only one truth. Seek it. Where there is God, there is truth.

The Christian Response

When Joann (Rashid) Harper heard about Snaketivity, she prayed and asked God what her response to the evil display should be. “Prayer” was her answer and Three Nights of Love and Lights became her response. Joann is appealing to everyone to pray for those lost in darkness and for their families too.

“When you look at the spokesperson for the Satanic group, (Jex) she looks just like a regular lady you would see walking by you at the mall,” Joann said. “But she is someone’s daughter. We need to not just pray for the Satanists but for their families too. Entire families need to be healed.”

Rather than discouragement over the satanic display, Joann said she looks at this as an opportunity. “We will join those in Lansing, united in prayer, praise and thanksgiving that ‘people in darkness have seen a great light!’” she said.

Everyone will unite in prayer from his or her homes, hopefully throughout the world. “Pray with us on Sunday through Tuesday, from the steps of your own home, any time between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM (That is the time that displays must be taken down.) “For a little while each night, my family will pray and light a candle to pierce the darkness in at least one person’s life who is involved in any kind of satanic oppression,” Joann said. “ It’s three nights of love and light, as we wait for Christ to come.”

Joann pointed out that this controversy brings out the very things that Jesus came to heal—lost people thinking they don’t need a savior. She warned however that we must be even more concerned about the darkness we don’t see. “This creates a beautiful opportunity to bring light to people who are suffering and wounded terribly,” she said. “Msgr. John Esseff, (retired exorcist in PA) once wrote to our family that: ‘Prayer is the most powerful gift in the world.’ In prayer, we claim these seemingly lost souls for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the King of the Universe to build His Kingdom of Love. If we don’t, who will? And if not now, when?

Here is what we are asking:

1. Sunday through Tuesday night, anytime between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM at your own home, if possible, go outside and face the Capital.

2. Light a candle to overcome the darkness, if only for one single person.

3. Make the sign of the Cross, also for the person(s) you are praying for, as you place yourself in the presence of Almighty God to pray.

4. Pray for 20 minutes–Suggestions: Pray the Rosary; a Divine Mercy Chaplet; Pray the Psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours for that day; or perhaps Mother Theresa’s “Express Novena” of 9 Memorares in a row for one person to get out of darkness.

5. Close with the Our Father and the sign of the cross, also on behalf of those you are praying for as we thank God for His love and mercy.

Joann is inviting everyone to please give the gift of prayer for people and their families who are imprisoned by great darkness “Let us bring love and light,” she said. “We’re asking Jesus, through Mary, to set these captives free!’

I’m in. How about you? I think Jesus would like this gift of prayer for his lost children as one of his birthday presents.

About Author

Patti Maguire Armstrong and her husband have ten children. She is an award-winning author and was managing editor and co-author of Ascension Press’s Amazing Grace Series. Her newest books are: Big Hearted: Inspiring Stories from Everyday Families, a collection of stories to inspire family love, and Dear God, I Don't Get It and the sequel, Dear God, You Can't Be Serious, children's fiction that feeds the soul through a fun and exciting story.
Patti is a correspondent for the National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor & Dakota Catholic Action. She has appeared on EWTN 4 times and Fox and Friends as well as Catholic radio stations across the country.